I hunt a variety of elevations from 2000ft to well above timberline. I've been having some ankle soreness so I bought these hoping the stiffer boot would help, especially packing elk out. I wore them most of my 2019 season and had troubles with one heel slipping the whole time. I tried different insoles and socks and finally after a long fall, winter, and spring, I feel like I have them fitting good and feeling good on my feet. They are crazy tough and lace up really tight around the ankle. The soles are very hard so they do make some noise in the rocks but get great traction.